Assistant Director for International Student Services

Bennington College invites applications for an Assistant Director for International Student Services to serve as the primary point of contact for international students within the Office of Student Life. The Assistant Director will advise, develop, and coordinate co-curricular support and activities for international students and alumni, and events and programming for all undergraduates. This position reports to the Vice President and Dean of Student Life.

All members of the Student Life staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment and ability to create diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities and be responsible for building intercultural competency skills and promoting a campus environment that supports student development and growth, academic enrichment, and positive interactions among students, staff, and faculty.

The Assistant Director will work with current students and families, international alumni, staff (including all the Student Life units), faculty, office programs in the Provost’s Office, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  External relationships include, but are not limited to, prospective students, families, and federal and state government agencies.  This position also works in close partnership with the Assistant Director for Student Engagement – Clubs and Organizations and the Assistant Director for Student Engagement – Programming.

General Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and liaison to various federal and state government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Internal Revenue Services, Social Security Administration, and Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Keeps up-to-date with U.S. visa requirements and government regulations affecting students in F-1 status. 

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including reporting, maintaining, and processing documents required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

• Work with the offices of Admissions and Financial Aid to assist incoming international students in completing their Certificate of Finance, process initial I-20, and support them throughout their F-1 student visa application and arrival processes. 

• Organize International Student Orientation to facilitate the successful transition to Bennington and the College. Collaborate with other Student Life units, Provost’s Office units, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and other administrative departments.

• Advise and monitor international students and alumni in F-1 status, including those on post-completion optional practical training, to ensure their compliance with various U.S. government regulations and maintenance of valid non-immigrant status. Connect and refer them to relevant campus and community resources.

• Coordinate with Career Development and Field Work Term Office, Academic Services, and faculty advisors to guide international students seeking employment on and off campus, including their Field Work Term experience.

• Supervise International Student Interns to support the international student body through community building, programming, and awareness raising on campus. Create events and programs for the campus community, including during non-term time, that showcase the diversity and contribution of international students and support international student success. 

• Perform other special projects or duties as assigned. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building a community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishments to apply.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience.  

• Two to four years of experience in advising and implementing of educational support and programming with student populations is required. 

• Current/valid driver’s license.

• As required by the United States Department of Homeland Security, must be either a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Direct experience with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and/or immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 status is preferred. 

• Must have a high attention to detail and demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate and facilitate projects independently and/0or with limited supervision. Must be able to establish priorities and meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of higher education student life trends and best practices is preferred. Complimentary understanding of postsecondary education administration and governance.

• Excellent planning, interpersonal, team-building, collaboration, and communication skills.

• A strong commitment to and appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Demonstrated commitment to continued learning of issues, and practice of diversity and inclusion.

• Capacity to multitask and prioritize tasks to accommodate the immediate needs of the office.

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Experience presenting to groups.

• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to maintain good relations and open communication with students and colleagues. 

• Strong computer proficiency (Word, Google, Excel, email), and experience with social media as avenues for promoting and encouraging engagement.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.

• The position requires successful completion of a background check.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.

Last updated on Oct 19, 2024